Semester 2 has come to an end with the final exam taking place this evening and our full-time MBA class can look forward to a busy and exciting Summer Term. After a brief reprieve from the pressures of Semester 2 exams students will take a block module in Financial Statement Analysis next week. The students will then travel to China from May 28th to June 4th and for many this will be their third and final International experience as part of the MBA programme. International Study Trips are a critical component of the international experience offered by the MBA Programme and are aimed at exposing students to the opportunities and challenges of managing in an International climate. The rapid emergence of China as an economic power offers attractive opportunities and poses competitive challenges to many firms. The International Study Trip to China provides an insight into this considerable economic achievement as well as its cultural and institutional practices.
The group will be accompanied by myself and Professor Pat Gibbons, Jefferson Smurfit Professor of Strategic Management at UCD. First we will travel to Xiamen where Pat will deliver a Preparatory Capstone Consulting Project module in Xiamen University. This short, informal course is designed to introduce students to the comprehensive and integrative nature of the final Capstone Consulting project and to identify and explore some approaches to the execution of the project that will offer value to the client and to the participants. In addition the students will have guest lectures from faculty in Xiamen University. We will have an opportunity to experience some cultural activities and taste some of the local cuisine in Xiamen over four days before departing to Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong students will partake in Company Visits from a diverse range of sectors including Manufacturing & Luxury Retail, Consulting, Real Estate and Education, Technology & Entrepreneurship. We will visit some of Hong Kong’s most recognised industries allowing students to explore local business practises, challenges and cultures and to apply a framework of international strategy to companies operating in China. Students will have an opportunity to develop their career connections through networking opportunities both at the company visits and at the final dinner at The Peak Lookout which will be attended by MBA Alumni residing in Hong Kong.
Keep an eye on the MBA Blog for further student updates about our trip to China!
Yvonne Harding ~ Full-Time MBA Programme Manager